Celebrations in SF after historic rulings

Emotions overflow, celebrations flourish in response to rulings

Updated 11:01 am, Thursday, June 27, 2013

Wearing costumes, waving rainbow flags and hugging one another, supporters of same-sex marriage took to the streets Wednesday in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood and beyond, savoring what they viewed as a broad triumph of progress in a pair of historic U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

But those who have seen their spirits rise and fall during the long public fight over marriage also returned to lives that, at least on the outside, looked the same as the day before.

They paid bills, went to meetings, fed the dogs.

"Taking out the trash and doing laundry - the big gay agenda," said John Lipp, 47, an Alameda resident who married his husband, Peter Lunny, in New York last year.

On the one hand, nothing had changed. He was still married, still in love. On the other, everything had changed.

"This feels as real as it's going to feel," he said by telephone from New York, where he was working. "I feel like I can breathe. I feel they can't take this away from me anymore."

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

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Enrique Chavez, left and Safiya Delaney cheers at the corner of Castro and Market, Wednesday June 26, 2013, as she and others celebrate the United States Supreme Court ruling on Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that it is unconstitutional and that California's Proposition 8 has been struck down, Wednesday June 26, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. less

Enrique Chavez, left and Safiya Delaney cheers at the corner of Castro and Market, Wednesday June 26, 2013, as she and others celebrate the United States Supreme Court ruling on Section 3 of the federal Defense ... more

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

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Miguel Gutierrez walks down Castro Street wearing a wedding cake hat to celebrate the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and Prop. 8. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court. less

Miguel Gutierrez walks down Castro Street wearing a wedding cake hat to celebrate the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and Prop. 8. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Jialim Gao, left, and Jay Wehr, right, embrace during a song played during celebrations in the Castro in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2013.

Jialim Gao, left, and Jay Wehr, right, embrace during a song played during celebrations in the Castro in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2013.

Photo: Ian C. Bates, The Chronicle

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Joe Mac shouts and cheers while wearing rainbow peace sign sunglasses during celebrations in the Castro in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2013.

Joe Mac shouts and cheers while wearing rainbow peace sign sunglasses during celebrations in the Castro in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2013.

Photo: Ian C. Bates, The Chronicle

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Jennifer Ancona, Hazel Haskovec, and Hazel's mom, Jennifer Lynch pose for photo as they celebrate the dismissal of Prop. 8. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court. less

Jennifer Ancona, Hazel Haskovec, and Hazel's mom, Jennifer Lynch pose for photo as they celebrate the dismissal of Prop. 8. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Supporters of same-sex marriage celebrate in the Castro District after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and declined to rule on the California law Proposition 8 in San Francisco, California, U.S., on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Democratic lawmakers said they'll seek further protections for gay couples after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of a federal law denying them benefits, as congressional Republicans signaled that further battles on marriage equality would shift to the states. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg less

Supporters of same-sex marriage celebrate in the Castro District after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and declined to rule on the California law Proposition 8 in San ... more

Photo: David Paul Morris, Bloomberg

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Scott Munson from Palo Alto, dances through the crowd celebrating the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and same-sex marriages. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court. less

Scott Munson from Palo Alto, dances through the crowd celebrating the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and same-sex marriages. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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DJ Kelly Kidd mixes music for the crowds gathered in the Castro celebrating the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and same-sex marriage in California. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court. less

DJ Kelly Kidd mixes music for the crowds gathered in the Castro celebrating the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and same-sex marriage in California. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Hector Ortiz cheers as music plays on the stage during celebrations in the Castro in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2013.

Hector Ortiz cheers as music plays on the stage during celebrations in the Castro in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2013.

Photo: Ian C. Bates, The Chronicle

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Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Katie DeCarlo, left, and Chelsea Peterson kiss during a celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 and DOMA on June 27, 2013 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. With the court's ruling, gay marriage will again be legal in San Francisco. less

Katie DeCarlo, left, and Chelsea Peterson kiss during a celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 and DOMA on June 27, 2013 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. With the court's ... more

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

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People swarm Castro Street in a celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 and DOMA on June 27, 2013 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. With the court's ruling, gay marriage will again be legal in San Francisco. less

People swarm Castro Street in a celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 and DOMA on June 27, 2013 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. With the court's ruling, gay marriage ... more

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

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Safiya Delaney cheers at the corner of Castro and Market, Wednesday June 26, 2013, as she and others celebrate the United States Supreme Court ruling on Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that it is unconstitutional and that California's Proposition 8 has been struck down, Wednesday June 26, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. less

Safiya Delaney cheers at the corner of Castro and Market, Wednesday June 26, 2013, as she and others celebrate the United States Supreme Court ruling on Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that it ... more

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

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Enrique Chavez waves his flag as Frank Pietronigro hold up his artwork to celebrate in the Castro as they hear the that the United States Supreme Court rules that Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional and that California's Proposition 8 has been struck down, Wednesday June 26, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. less

Enrique Chavez waves his flag as Frank Pietronigro hold up his artwork to celebrate in the Castro as they hear the that the United States Supreme Court rules that Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage ... more

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

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The original plantiffs in the Proposition 8 case John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney await the rulings of the Supreme Court on the steps of City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday June 26, 2013. The court later handing down their decisions dismissing California's Proposition 8 and striking down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act.

The original plantiffs in the Proposition 8 case John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney await the rulings of the Supreme Court on the steps of City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday June 26, 2013. The court

Joyce Newstat (l to r), Mayor Ed Lee and Phyllis Lyon react as they listen to coverage of the Supreme Court rulings in the Mayor's Office at City Hall on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Joyce Newstat (l to r), Mayor Ed Lee and Phyllis Lyon react as they listen to coverage of the Supreme Court rulings in the Mayor's Office at City Hall on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle

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Cissy Bonini, right, and Karl Robillard, celebrate the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and Prop. 8 at the Castro. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court. less

Cissy Bonini, right, and Karl Robillard, celebrate the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and Prop. 8 at the Castro. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Crowds celebrate news about the DOMA ruling in City Hall, Wednesday June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Crowds celebrate news about the DOMA ruling in City Hall, Wednesday June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Katie Meek, The Chronicle

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Jesse Castaneda reacts to the news about the DOMA ruling in City Hall, Wednesday June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Jesse Castaneda reacts to the news about the DOMA ruling in City Hall, Wednesday June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Katie Meek, The Chronicle

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Same-sex partners of 10 years, Marlene White and Elana Metz, at home with their daughter Nia, nervously wait and watch television reports moments before the Supreme Court of the United States both dismissed Proposition 8 and ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional on the morning of Wednesday June 26, 2013 in Oakland, Calif. less

Same-sex partners of 10 years, Marlene White and Elana Metz, at home with their daughter Nia, nervously wait and watch television reports moments before the Supreme Court of the United States both dismissed ... more

Photo: Mike Kepka, The Chronicle

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Connor Hochleutner, (left) and Jared Scherer, along with Catlin Hart and Jenn Ellington, (right) react to the rulings of the Supreme Court at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday June 26, 2013, handing down their decisions dismissing California's Proposition 8 and striking down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act. less

Connor Hochleutner, (left) and Jared Scherer, along with Catlin Hart and Jenn Ellington, (right) react to the rulings of the Supreme Court at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday June 26, 2013, ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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Nikolas Lemos shows his supports for gay rights on the steps of City Hall as he awaits the Supreme Court rulings in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday June 26, 2013, later handing down their decisions dismissing California's Proposition 8 and striking down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act. less

Nikolas Lemos shows his supports for gay rights on the steps of City Hall as he awaits the Supreme Court rulings in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday June 26, 2013, later handing down their decisions ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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Safiya Delaney cheers at the corner of Castro and Market, Wednesday June 26, 2013, as she and others celebrate the United States Supreme Court ruling on Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that it is unconstitutional and that California's Proposition 8 has been struck down, Wednesday June 26, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. less

Safiya Delaney cheers at the corner of Castro and Market, Wednesday June 26, 2013, as she and others celebrate the United States Supreme Court ruling on Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that it ... more

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

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Enrique Chavez, left, starts to celebrate as Chris Kren and Joseph Mora watch the ruling of United States Supreme Court ruling Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that it is unconstitutional and that California's Proposition 8 has been struck down, Wednesday June 26, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. less

Enrique Chavez, left, starts to celebrate as Chris Kren and Joseph Mora watch the ruling of United States Supreme Court ruling Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that it is unconstitutional and ... more

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

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Gary McCoy wears a rainbow tie while waiting to hear the Supreme Court decision on DOMA/Prop 8 at the intersection of Market and Castro streets on June 27, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Gary McCoy wears a rainbow tie while waiting to hear the Supreme Court decision on DOMA/Prop 8 at the intersection of Market and Castro streets on June 27, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

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L-R, Julie Galles holds her fiancé Megan Stansbery as Frank and Joe Capley_Alfano embrace after a press conference at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Dozens of Bay Area religious leaders in support of same-sex marriage gathered at Grace Cathedral for a press conference following the Supreme Court's decision on Proposition 8 earlier in the morning. less

L-R, Julie Galles holds her fiancé Megan Stansbery as Frank and Joe Capley_Alfano embrace after a press conference at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Dozens of Bay Area ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Eddie Bell, left with husband Michael Chu, Randy Stevens and Adam Quintero watch the United States Supreme Court ruling on Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that it is unconstitutional and that California's Proposition 8 has been struck down, Wednesday June 26, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. less

Eddie Bell, left with husband Michael Chu, Randy Stevens and Adam Quintero watch the United States Supreme Court ruling on Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that it is unconstitutional and that ... more

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

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Sue Rochman, left, and Robin Romdalvik kiss, reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage in California, at San Francisco's City Hall on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. The couple is accompanied by their son Maddox Rochman-Romdalvik. The justices issued two 5-4 rulings in their final session of the term. One decision wiped away part of a federal anti-gay marriage law that has kept legally married same-sex couples from receiving tax, health and pension benefits. The other was a technical legal ruling that said nothing at all about same-sex marriage, but left in place a trial court's declaration that California's Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. less

Sue Rochman, left, and Robin Romdalvik kiss, reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage in California, at San Francisco's City Hall on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. The couple is accompanied by ... more

Photo: Noah Berger, Associated Press

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Same-sex partners of 10 years, Marlene White and Elana Metz, at home, show off their wedding rings from their previously unrecognized marriage ceremony after the Supreme Court of the United States both dismissed Proposition 8 and ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional on the morning of Wednesday June 26, 2013 in Oakland, Calif. The couple said they are ready to get married again legally. less

Same-sex partners of 10 years, Marlene White and Elana Metz, at home, show off their wedding rings from their previously unrecognized marriage ceremony after the Supreme Court of the United States both ... more

Photo: Mike Kepka, The Chronicle

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Same-sex partners of 10 years, Marlene White and Elana Metz, at home with their daughter Nia, hug and kiss after the Supreme Court of the United States both dismissed Proposition 8 and ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional on the morning of Wednesday June 26, 2013 in Oakland, Calif. The couple said they are ready to get married again legally. less

Same-sex partners of 10 years, Marlene White and Elana Metz, at home with their daughter Nia, hug and kiss after the Supreme Court of the United States both dismissed Proposition 8 and ruled the Defense of ... more

Photo: Mike Kepka, The Chronicle

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Crowds celebrate news about the DOMA ruling in City Hall, Wednesday June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Crowds celebrate news about the DOMA ruling in City Hall, Wednesday June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Katie Meek, The Chronicle

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The original plaintiffs in the Proposition 8 case John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney await the rulings of the Supreme Court at City Hall on in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday June 26, 2013. The court later handing down their decisions dismissing California's Proposition 8 and striking down the Defense of Marriage Act. less

The original plaintiffs in the Proposition 8 case John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney await the rulings of the Supreme Court at City Hall on in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday June 26, 2013. The court later ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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Pollo Del Mar reacts to a speech by Cleve Jones during a celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 and DOMA on June 27, 2013 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. With the court's ruling, gay marriage will again be legal in San Francisco. less

Pollo Del Mar reacts to a speech by Cleve Jones during a celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 and DOMA on June 27, 2013 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. With the court's ... more

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

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Mike Wong leads the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Band as they perform to celebrate the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and Prop. 8. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court. less

Mike Wong leads the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Band as they perform to celebrate the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and Prop. 8. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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The flag showing an equals sign flies near the Rainbow flag at the intersection of Castro and Market Streets in San Francisco. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court. less

The flag showing an equals sign flies near the Rainbow flag at the intersection of Castro and Market Streets in San Francisco. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Jerry Deal, left, wears his wedding gown as he and Marvin Dunson and Ted Garey walk through the Castro district to celebrates the United States Supreme Court ruling that Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional and that California's Proposition 8 has been struck down, Wednesday June 26, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. less

Jerry Deal, left, wears his wedding gown as he and Marvin Dunson and Ted Garey walk through the Castro district to celebrates the United States Supreme Court ruling that Section 3 of the federal Defense of ... more

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

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Sergio Cabrera, visiting form San Diego, shows his pride as supporters drive down Castro street, in San Francisco, Calif., Wednesday June 26, 2013, after United States Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional and that California's Proposition 8 was struck down. less

Sergio Cabrera, visiting form San Diego, shows his pride as supporters drive down Castro street, in San Francisco, Calif., Wednesday June 26, 2013, after United States Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the ... more

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

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The San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Band marches down Castro Street s they celebrate the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and Prop. 8. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court. less

The San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Band marches down Castro Street s they celebrate the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and Prop. 8. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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A sign posted outside a home in the Castro in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2013 after the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal on Proposition 8.

A sign posted outside a home in the Castro in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2013 after the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal on Proposition 8.

Photo: Ian C. Bates, The Chronicle

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LGBT flags fly at the corner of Market and Castro on June 26 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. in celebration of the new verdict on same sex marriage.

LGBT flags fly at the corner of Market and Castro on June 26 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. in celebration of the new verdict on same sex marriage.

Photo: Katie Meek, The Chronicle

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Albert Santos gets a kiss from his friend's son, Sam Destin, 6, as they celebrate the Supreme Court's decisions on DOMA and same-sex marriage in California. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San Francisco, Calif., on June 26, 2013, to celebrate the dismissal of the appeal of Proposition 8 by the U.S. Supreme Court. less

Albert Santos gets a kiss from his friend's son, Sam Destin, 6, as they celebrate the Supreme Court's decisions on DOMA and same-sex marriage in California. Thousands gathered in the Castro district of San ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Image 42 of 51

Supporters of same-sex marriage celebrate in the Castro District after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and declined to rule on the California law Proposition 8 in San Francisco, California, U.S., on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Democratic lawmakers said they'll seek further protections for gay couples after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of a federal law denying them benefits, as congressional Republicans signaled that further battles on marriage equality would shift to the states. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg less

Supporters of same-sex marriage celebrate in the Castro District after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and declined to rule on the California law Proposition 8 in San ... more

Photo: David Paul Morris, Bloomberg

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Frank, right, and Joe Capley-Alfano, left, listen to the speakers at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Dozens of Bay Area religious leaders in support of same-sex marriage gathered at Grace Cathedral for a press conference following the Supreme Court's decision on Proposition 8 earlier in the morning. less

Frank, right, and Joe Capley-Alfano, left, listen to the speakers at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Dozens of Bay Area religious leaders in support of same-sex marriage ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Image 44 of 51

Supporters of same-sex marriage celebrate in the Castro District after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and declined to rule on the California law Proposition 8 in San Francisco, California, U.S., on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Democratic lawmakers said they'll seek further protections for gay couples after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of a federal law denying them benefits, as congressional Republicans signaled that further battles on marriage equality would shift to the states. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg less

Supporters of same-sex marriage celebrate in the Castro District after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and declined to rule on the California law Proposition 8 in San ... more

Photo: David Paul Morris, Bloomberg

Image 45 of 51

Hector Ortiz cheers as music plays on the stage during celebrations in the Castro in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2013.

Hector Ortiz cheers as music plays on the stage during celebrations in the Castro in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2013.

Photo: Ian C. Bates, The Chronicle

Image 46 of 51

People swarm Castro Street in a celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 and DOMA on June 27, 2013 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. With the court's ruling, gay marriage will again be legal in San Francisco. less

People swarm Castro Street in a celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 and DOMA on June 27, 2013 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. With the court's ruling, gay marriage ... more

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

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Katie DeCarlo, left, and Chelsea Peterson kiss during a celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 and DOMA on June 27, 2013 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. With the court's ruling, gay marriage will again be legal in San Francisco. less

Katie DeCarlo, left, and Chelsea Peterson kiss during a celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 and DOMA on June 27, 2013 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. With the court's ... more

Photo: Pete Kiehart, The Chronicle

Image 48 of 51

Jerry Deal, left, wears his wedding gown as he and Marvin Dunson and Ted Garey walk through the Castro district to celebrates the United States Supreme Court ruling that Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional and that California's Proposition 8 has been struck down, Wednesday June 26, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. less

Jerry Deal, left, wears his wedding gown as he and Marvin Dunson and Ted Garey walk through the Castro district to celebrates the United States Supreme Court ruling that Section 3 of the federal Defense of ... more

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

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Crispin Hollings (right) proposes to Luis Casillas (right), both of San Francisco, at City Hall on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. Hollings had proposed earlier in the morning as listened to the Supreme Court rulings from outside of City Hall.The Supreme Court handed down their decisions dismissing California's Proposition 8 and striking down the Defense of Marriage Act. less

Crispin Hollings (right) proposes to Luis Casillas (right), both of San Francisco, at City Hall on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. Hollings had proposed earlier in the morning as listened to ... more

Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle

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Abbie Coffee (l to r) and Matthew Ridenour, both of San Francisco, have a bystander take a photo of them after they signed their marriage license at City Hall as Bob Sodervick watches on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. Ridenour said they were happy to be celebrating their signing as well as the Supreme Courts decisions. The Supreme Court handed down their decisions dismissing California's Proposition 8 and striking down the Defense of Marriage Act. less

Abbie Coffee (l to r) and Matthew Ridenour, both of San Francisco, have a bystander take a photo of them after they signed their marriage license at City Hall as Bob Sodervick watches on Wednesday, June 26, ... more

Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle

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Celebrations in SF after historic rulings

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Lipp was in a meeting when the rulings came down. He had to hold back the tears that brimmed in his eyes.

In San Francisco emotions overflowed when the rulings were announced starting at 7 a.m. As some already-married gay couples rejoiced at Harvey Milk Plaza in the Castro, others said they would soon get hitched. People wept and blew bubbles amid the honks of passing cars, ambulances and police cruisers.

"This country has changed and we are really seeing that change today," said Brandon Brock, 31, as he stood alongside his husband, whom he married two years ago in New York. "And man, what a day!"

Practical matters

The Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8 may allow same-sex couples in California to marry within weeks, while its ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act has practical implications.

"Believe it or not, my tax preparer was the first to write me an e-mail," said Kevin Paulson, 54,who with his husband is among the 18,000 California couples who legally married in the months before Prop. 8 passed.

Filing jointly in California and single for the IRS has been "a nightmare," said Paulson, a San Francisco Sheriff's Department captain.

"I feel we are three-quarters of the way through the revolution now," he said. "Hey, I have a lot more civil rights than I did yesterday."

With anticipation of the rulings building over the last few weeks, hundreds of people packed into the San Francisco City Hall rotunda to wait for the rulings.

They were soon joined by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, City Attorney Dennis Herrera and nearly every other elected official in the city, as a tense silence was replaced by a joyous ovation.

"Welcome to the people's house!" Lee said to the boisterous crowd after the rulings were announced. "This is a historic day for all of us," he said. "We have struggled for many, many years. I want to thank all of you for sharing this moment. Gosh, it feels good to have love triumph over ignorance, equality triumph over discrimination."

Pigs do fly

In the Castro, Safiya Delaney, 28, wore a furry pink pig hat with flapping wings. She wore a sign on her back that read, "(Your name here), will you marry me? It's legal!"

"People said the gays would marry when pigs fly," she said. "Well, they're flying! They're flying!"

As night fell, thousands packed the neighborhood, dancing, cheering, hugging and waving signs along several blocks that were closed to traffic.

A marching band played "The Wedding March" while pink confetti and bubbles floated through the air.

He woke early to hear the rulings, but had little time to celebrate before heading off to work.

"I knew exactly what I would be doing as soon as I got off work," he said, a white bridal veil and tiara on his head. "In just my lifetime, gay people couldn't join the military, couldn't adopt kids, marry. Who would have thought I'd live to see that all change?"

For some, joy was mixed with melancholy. Patrick Santana, 49, carried a large yellow sign that read, "For my fallen brothers who didn't live to see this historic day, I remember you tonight with love."

"I hope this just means it's finally over - that the next generation won't have the scars that I have," he said.

Still others celebrated eagerly, but shied away from an imminent "I do."

Jason Schupp, 38, said he was thrilled to have the option to marry in San Francisco, his home, but it wasn't something he was considering at the moment with his boyfriend of almost three years.

"If SCOTUS can help us find an apartment, that's where we're at right now," he said, laughing.

In Oakland, a crowd of about 50 people gathered in the early evening near the Uptown Art Park, where a block of Telegraph Avenue was closed to car traffic. Revelers painted the street in rainbow colors and wrote chalk messages on the sidewalk.

"I love my immigrant husband," one man wrote.

Rejoicing quietly

Yet not all gay marriage supporters took to public places to celebrate. San Francisco resident Lee Hawn, 59, watched the morning news at home and rejoiced quietly and privately, thinking of his husband, who died in 2010. Then he hopped on his bike to go to work.

"My first thought was the air is different. The sun is different," he said later. "I don't know what emotion that is. But I'm different. The world around me is different now."

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